COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – The fall home schedule ended in winning style for the College of Saint Benedict cross country team, led by a standout performance by junior Abby Bufkin of Colorado Springs, Colo. Bufkin claimed the top spot at the Fall Finale, leading the Bennies to a dominant team victory on their home course 
in Collegeville.

Bufkin clocked a 5,000-meter time of 20 minutes, 10 seconds, edging out two of her teammates in a tight race to the end. Right behind her was senior Meaghan McDonald of Orono, Minn., who finished in 20:20, followed by sophomore Kaline Merges of Rogers, Minn., in 20:34.

With their strong trio at the front, CSB secured the team title with 17 points, claiming six of the top seven spots and 11 of the top 20 overall. St. Cloud State followed with 62 points, Gustavus Adolphus with 70, and Concordia-Moorhead with 90.

Rounding out CSB's impressive showing, junior Bailey Link (Brush, Colo.) took fifth in 20:36, first-year Addy Giles (Belle Plaine, Minn.) finished sixth in 20:49, and sophomore Erin O'Connor (Chicago, Ill.) placed seventh in 20:55. Seniors Isabel Kraabel (Vadnais Heights, Minn.) and Tatum Leibke (Lino Lakes, Minn.) weren't far behind, taking ninth and tenth with times of 20:56 and 20:59, respectively.

The Bennies now turn their attention to the NCAA Division III North Region Championship, set for Nov. 15 in Colfax, Wisconsin, where they'll look to carry their momentum into postseason competition.